Overview
This chapter introduces Oracle VM VirtualBox, a cross-platform virtualization application, and explains its key features, terminology, installation steps, management tools, and integration with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.
Introduction to Oracle VM VirtualBox
- VirtualBox allows multiple operating systems to run on Intel/AMD computers, regardless of the host OS (Windows, macOS, Linux, Solaris).
- It extends computer capabilities by running several OSes inside virtual machines (VMs) simultaneously.
- VirtualBox supports a wide range of deployments, from desktops to datacenters and the cloud.
Why Virtualization is Useful
- Enables running multiple OSes simultaneously, even if not natively supported by hardware.
- Simplifies software installations by using virtual appliances.
- Supports testing, disaster recovery, and easy experimentation via snapshots.
- Reduces hardware and electricity costs through infrastructure consolidation.
Key Terminology
- Host OS: The operating system on which VirtualBox is installed.
- Guest OS: The operating system running inside a VM.
- Virtual Machine (VM): The environment VirtualBox creates for the guest OS.
- Guest Additions: Software installed in a VM to improve guest performance and features.
Features Overview
- VirtualBox is portable across many 64-bit host OSes and supports easy VM import/export.
- Guest Additions enable features like shared folders, seamless windows, and 3D virtualization.
- Supports comprehensive hardware: up to 32 CPUs per VM, USB devices, ACPI, multiscreen, iSCSI, PXE boot, and more.
- Offers multigeneration, branched snapshots and VM groups for collective management.
- Provides modular architecture and remote machine display via VRDE (RDP).
Installation and Getting Started
- Available for Windows, macOS (Intel and Arm/Apple silicon), Linux, and Solaris.
- Comes as a base package (open source) and optional extension packs for added features.
- Start VirtualBox via standard application/task menus or command line.
- VirtualBox Manager is the main interface for creating, configuring, and managing VMs.
Creating and Managing Virtual Machines
- Use the "New" wizard in VirtualBox Manager to create a VM—specify OS, storage, hardware, and installation options.
- Unattended installation automates OS setup if supported.
- Allocate RAM and CPUs carefully to avoid overloading the host.
- Choose between dynamically allocated or fixed-size virtual hard disks.
Virtual Machine Operations
- Start, pause, save state, or power off VMs from VirtualBox Manager.
- Use snapshots to save and revert to specific VM states.
- VM groups allow batch operations on multiple VMs.
- Cloning creates full or linked VM copies for backup or testing.
Importing, Exporting, and Cloud Integration
- Import/export VMs using the Open Virtualization Format (OVF) and integrate with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.
- VMs can be prepared, exported, or imported between local hosts and cloud environments.
- VBoxManage command-line tool provides automation for these operations.
Keyboard, Mouse, and Display Management
- Host key releases keyboard/mouse from the VM.
- Soft keyboard enables special character input and supports custom layouts.
- Dynamic window resizing with Guest Additions; scaled mode and full screen supported.
Monitoring and Logs
- VM Activity Overview and Session Information Dialog display resource usage and configuration.
- Log Viewer provides access to VM event logs for troubleshooting.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Virtualization — Running multiple OSes on one physical machine through VMs.
- Snapshot — Saved state of a VM for later restoration.
- OVF (Open Virtualization Format) — Standard for packaging/import/export of VMs.
- Cloud Profile/VM — Configuration/settings for connecting/managing cloud-based VMs.
- VBoxManage — Command-line tool for controlling VirtualBox.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Install Oracle VM VirtualBox and extension packs as needed.
- Use the "New" wizard to set up your first VM.
- Explore creating snapshots and VM groups for management.
- Review supported OS versions and hardware requirements for your host.